Middle of the drier season · Weather & things to do
Cartagena in January
Cartagena sees its driest month, with just less than 0.1 in (3 mm) of rain, highs of 85°F (29°C) and lows of 78°F (25°C).
January opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 83/100 (the top score of the year).
- Avg high
- 85°F (29°C)
- Avg low
- 78°F (25°C)
- Rain
- less than 0.1 in (3 mm)
- Humidity
- 78%
- Cloud cover
- 37%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 27 min
- Comfort score
- 83/100 · Great
What January feels like
Highs settle around 85°F (29°C), warm enough for short sleeves.
Nights stay warm too, with lows averaging 78°F (25°C).
Humidity averages 78%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
It's one of the drier stretches, with only less than 0.1 in (3 mm) of rain.
It's breezy, with average winds near 14 mph (6.3 m/s) at ground level.
Plan around January
January is one of Cartagena's best months on the climate data.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: January – March.
- Comfort improves from 76/100 in December to 83/100.
- January sits inside the Dec – Mar window our Colombia: Coffee to Caribbean route recommends.
What to pack for January
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 85°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Quick-dry fabrics78% average humidity
- Windproof shellaverage wind 14 mph
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Cartagena in January
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Alquímico
Three-story cocktail bar with a rooftop, using spirits and produce from its own farm.
Why now January scores 83/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Getsemaní
Former working-class barrio of murals and street life around Plaza de la Trinidad.
Why now Highs near 85°F and 0.1 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Islas del Rosario
Coral archipelago in a national park about an hour by boat, with clear water for snorkeling.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Massive Spanish fortress with tunnels, built on San Lázaro hill to guard the city.
Las Bóvedas
Former vaults in the city wall now holding craft and souvenir shops.
Nearby in January
- Medellín in January~287 mi · highs 75°F, 5.3 in rain · 5°C (10°F) cooler by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Cartagena in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Cartagena?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 83/100. Expect highs of 85°F (29°C) and less than 0.1 in (3 mm) of rain. January is inside the Dec – Mar window our Colombia: Coffee to Caribbean route recommends.
How hot is Cartagena in January?
Average highs are 85°F (29°C) and average lows 78°F (25°C), making it the 4th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Cartagena in January?
Not much: less than 0.1 in (3 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the driest month of the year. The annual total is about 53.9 in (1369 mm).
What should I pack for Cartagena in January?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 85°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), quick-dry fabrics (78% average humidity), windproof shell (average wind 14 mph) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Cartagena
Routes in season in January
- Colombia: Coffee to Caribbean Dec – Mar
Planning Cartagena in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.